Click Image to Read Persecution Magazine, May 2013, Issue 3/4.
International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241 Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact:Aidan Clay, Regional Manager for the Middle Eastclay@persecution.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saudi Arabia Sentences Men to Prison, Lashings for Role in Woman's Conversion to Christianity 5/14/2013 Washington, D.C. International Christian Concern International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that two men accused of helping a young woman flee Saudi Arabia after her conversion to Christianity were sentenced to prison terms and lashes with a whip by a Saudi court on Sunday. The case comes weeks after an independent U.S. government advisory body listed Saudi Arabia among the top violators of religious freedom. A Lebanese Christian man was sentenced to six years in prison and 300 lashes and a Saudi man was sentenced to two years and 200 lashes by a court in Khobar, a city in eastern Saudi Arabia, for their involvement in a Saudi woman's conversion to Christianity and her escape abroad, Reuters reported. The men, who worked with the young woman known as Maryam at an insurance company, were arrested last July after a complaint was filed by her father. Maryam fled to Sweden several months ago and is reportedly applying for asylum. The case began when Maryam appeared on a YouTube video last July announcing her conversion to Christianity, which "created a stir in the Kingdom," the Saudi Gazette reported. Maryam said she was "raised to hate Judaism and Christianity but fell in love with the religions after she found peace in Christianity," the English-language daily reported in July. Maryam embraced Christianity after hearing God tell her in a dream that Jesus is His son, according to the Gazette. Abandoning Islam, also known as apostasy, and proselytizing are illegal under Saudi law. Judges have authority to determine the offender's punishment in accordance to their interpretation of the Kingdom's Sharia code of Islamic law, which permits the death penalty for apostates. Hmood al-Khalidi, the lawyer representing Maryam's family, expressed satisfaction with the men's severe verdict. The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently designated Saudi Arabia a "country of particular concern" for the Kingdom's egregious violations of religious freedom. "Since 2004, the United States has designated Saudi Arabia a severe violator of religious freedom, yet the U.S. government has waived any punitive action that such a designation mandates," Dwight Bashir, Deputy Director for Policy at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, told Fox News. "Until the U.S. government lifts this waiver and prioritizes religious freedom in its relationship, you can expect limitations and abuses to continue." Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Religious freedom is nonexistent in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, and conversion to Christianity is deemed an unforgivable offense that warrants the death sentence. If not for the protection of local NGOs and Swedish officials, who have refused to return Maryam to Saudi Arabia, a terrifying punishment and possible execution would be imminent. Last year, more than 40 Ethiopian Christians were tortured and held for months in a Saudi prison after being arrested at a prayer gathering in Jeddah. Despite these flagrant violations of an individual's right to choose their own faith and worship according to their convictions, the U.S. government has repeatedly failed to make religious freedom a priority in its relationship with Saudi Arabia. ICC urges the U.S. government to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its religious freedom violations and to demand the acquittal of the two men imprisoned for their involvement in Maryam's conversion. No one should fear being imprisoned or executed by their government for practicing their religion of choice." Please call the Saudi Arabian Embassy in your country to express your concerns: United States: (+1) 202 342 3800 Canada: (+1) 613 237 4100 United Kingdom: (+44) 207 9173-000 Australia: (+61) 2 6250 7000 Germany: (+49) 30 88 92 50 France: (+33) 1 56 79 4000 For interviews, contact Aidan Clay, Regional Manager for the Middle East: clay@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. Read Saeed Abedini Released From Solitary Confinement in Hopeful Sign at Religion Today. World News Service "Iranian authorities released American pastor Saeed Abedini from solitary confinement this week after forcing him to spend the week of his birthday in a “small dark hole,” according to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). Abedini, imprisoned for 225 days in Evin Prison because of his Christian faith, turned 33 on May 7 while in solitary confinement. Supporters sent more than 52,500 birthday messages to the prison addressed to Abedini. "His wife, Naghmeh, wrote in a letter: "With tightness in my throat, pain in my heart, and tears streaming down my face … I promise to stand strong in the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fighting with every strength of my being until you are united to our family again.” Read Cleveland Case Isn't an Anomaly, 'Modern-day Slavery' Has 27 Million Trapped at Mission Network News USA/Nepal Mission Network News "Have you been following the case of the 3 girls kidnapped and kept as slaves in Ohio for 10 years? Their story shows how most human trafficking cases start. You see, trafficking doesn't require movement; slavery is at the heart of this global problem. Cathey Anderson with Operation Mobilization says their annual Freedom Climb helps fight trafficking. "We're just all out there being this voice for these gals." Each year, women climb one of the world's toughest mountains to raise awareness of the issue. They also raise support for OM projects that fight trafficking. You can be a part, too. "We really need to get out there and be aware, be the voice, be the hands and the feet, and start making a difference." Find more at our Web site. The most important thing to do is pray. "Pray for those that are suffering--physically, mentally, emotionally, oppressed, enslaved, whatever it is, because it doesn't end. It's a big, bad stain on all of humanity."" Young Christian Girls Trafficked into Forced Labor and Sex Slavery Breaking the Silence in Bangladesh Corey Bailey, Regional Manager for Central Asia 5/8/2013 Washington D.C. International Christian Concern More than 140 children have been rescued from Islamic training centers (madrassas) in the last nine months, with a majority of the children targeted because of their Christian faith. The females, accounting for nearly half of those rescued, report that they were used for forced labor and sex slavery. New information has come to light regarding the treatment of the young girls rescued from madrassas earlier this year. "They were forcefully converted to Islam," said Akash, a contact for International Christian Concern (ICC) whose name is changed for security reasons. "The girls were made to wear veils at all times. Some girls were also forced to work as slaves in the homes of Muslim families and were only fed one time a day." The rescued girls were told they would study at a Christian school and receive training to become beauticians. However, after completing the grueling travel from their villages to the capitol city, Dhaka, they discovered it was all a lie. "Instead of training in the Beautifying Parlor, we were forcefully sent to hotels for the sex trade," explained one of the girls. Suspicions Lead to Rescue Last year Akash was selling bus tickets for a transportation company in Bangladesh when he noticed that a man named Norbert Tripura frequently traveled to Dhaka with groups of children. When asked what he was doing, Norbert replied that he was taking the children to a Christian missionary school "where they can eat and live in comfort with a good education." Hoping for his daughter to have the opportunity for a quality education, Akash asked Norbert to take her to the Christian missionary school, and became suspicious when he was refused. "Doubt was created in my mind when Norbert continued to avoid me," said Akash. Akash began to investigate the matter and soon discovered that countless families had sent their children with men, including Norbert, who were later discovered to be traffickers. With the help of an ICC ministry partner, Akash arranged for the rescue of the first twelve children in July 2012. More were rescued in October 2012, followed by over 100 rescued since January 2013. How Does This Happen As Christians, these children and their families are a marginalized minority in a country that is over 90 percent Muslim. As minorities, Christians find it difficult to locate jobs and obtain quality education. They are sometimes even banned from using community wells in the villages. As a result, many Christians, specifically the Tripura people, are extremely poor and desperate for a better life for their children. This, in turn, leaves them vulnerable to traffickers like Norbert. Reports by The Kapaeeng Foundation and ICC's partner in Bangladesh indicate that there may be as many as 138 children from Rangamati, 42 from Banderban and six from Khagrachari that are still missing. "We think they are also sold to madrassas and we are searching for them," said Akash. "It is my dream that all the children will be rescued and receive a higher education so that they can stand on their own two feet." For interviews, contact Corey Bailey, Regional Manager for Central Asia: RM-Asia@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241 Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org Spring Brings Torture and Death for Christians in Somalia William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa 5/9/2013 Washington, D.C. International Christian Concern With the establishment of a new government in Somalia's capital of Mogadishu, many Somali refugees are risking returns to Somalia with the belief that the failed state may now be safer. Unfortunately for Somali Christians, the country remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be called a Christian. Somali Christians know that having their religious identities discovered by al-Shabaab, an Islamic terrorist network in Somalia, is tantamount to a death sentence, fact Somali Christians were reminded of this spring when two Christians were captured, tortured and killed by al-Shabaab. Captured and Tortured in Somalia On March 23, Hassan Gulled was seized by four al-Shabaab militants who had been monitoring him for several weeks. "Four masked, armed militia from al-Shabaab took Gulled into a Land Cruiser and then drove away as family watched helplessly," a source told Morning Star News. Born in Somalia, Gulled fled the failed state in 2007 to Kenya were he became a Christian in 2010. Al-Shabaab, known to be active in Somali communities in Kenya, found out about Gulled's conversion and began monitoring his activities. When Gulled left Kenya to visit family on February 27, militants in Kenya informed their radical affiliates in Somalia about Gulled and his new religion, making him a prime target for the extremist group's brutality. According to Morning Star News' sources, Gulled was monitored for three weeks before he was captured. Gulled has been missing since his capture, but is believed to be imprisoned at an al-Shabaab base in Bulo Marer where he is being tortured for this faith. "Al-Shabaab [has] been torturing him to see whether he [will] deny his Christian faith," a source told Morning Star News. "No information has surfaced concerning Gulled [recently]. There is a possibility that he could have been killed." "Gulled used to share Jesus to Muslims in Dadaab refugee camp," the leader of Gulled's fellowship in Kenya said in an interview with ICC's representative in the Horn of Africa. "On several occasions he received threatening messages telling him to stop trying to convert Muslims to Christ. If not, Gulled would live to regret it." Gulled's fellowship in Dadaab is deeply saddened by his disappearance. "We are very sure they will kill him," Gulled's pastor said. Christian Widow Murdered As the Christian community in Somalia was still recovering from the terrible news regarding Gulled, they were struck by another blow from al-Shabaab. Fartun Omar, a 42-year-old Christian widow, had been caught by al-Shabaab militants and killed, leaving her five children orphans. In December of 2012, Fartun was widowed when her husband was murdered by al-Shabaab militants for being a Christian. According to Radio Shebelle, a local radio station, the militants had been searching for Fartun ever since they had executed her husband because they discovered she was a Christian as well. Because al-Shabaab was closing in on Fartun, she decided to flee on April 10 by bus to seek refuge with relatives elsewhere in Somalia, locals told Morning Star News. Accompanied with her five children and a neighbor, Fartun left home hoping she would be able to find a place where she and her family could live in peace. Unfortunately, she never made it to her relatives' home. As her bus approached Buulobarde, a town controlled by al-Shabaab, militants manning a roadblock ordered all of the passengers off the bus. Once all the passengers were off the bus, the militants proceeded to question each of them one by one. "She was not cleared by al-Shabaab," explained the neighbor who accompanied her to BosNewsLife. "I only heard one of them saying, 'This is the woman whose husband was killed last year. Do not let her [through].'" "On April 13, I received news that a woman in Buulobarde had been killed by al-Shabaab," the neighbor continued. "Soon I found out that it was Fartun Omar." Fartun's children remain in the care of the neighbor who accompanied her the day she was murdered. Both Fartun and Gulled's families have been shattered by the cruelty imposed on them by the al-Shabaab terrorist group. Even though the new Somali government has won key victories over al-Shabaab and has finally established itself in Somalia's capital, the country remains one of the most dangerous places to be called a Christian. Christians living in Somalia remain some of the most secretive fellowships on earth with good reason, as demonstrated by the deadly events of this spring. Please remember these persecuted Christians and their suffering in your prayers. For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa: RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org This is a photo of David's shirt after the attack, from Open Doors USA. Please read Attacked Ethiopian Christian Persists Despite Persecution at Open Doors USA. "...We are so thankful that these believers may be reminded of the fact that they are not alone. There is a worldwide body of Christ that stands behind them in all their efforts to bring hope to their community. “The Lord has given me another chance to serve Him. The bullets didn’t get me. I have seen the darkest night, bullets flying past me. There were more than 30 attackers. It is by the prayers and support of other believers we survived so far. I can only say God wants me to continue His work here. I have some unfinished business here.” Image and story from Open Doors USA. Please read Nigerian Pastor Arrested After Hiding Girls Fleeing Forced Marriage, posted by Emily, at Open Doors USA. "A Nigerian pastor from Bauchi was arrested after Muslim men spotted three under-aged girls fleeing forced Islamization and forced marriage at his house. "Open Doors understands that the father of the three girls aged 15, 13 and 10 recently converted to Islam. He gave his Christian daughters one week to become Muslims and promised them in marriage to Muslim men. Before the week was over, the three young girls had trekked from their village and sought refuge at the pastor’s house. From there, they were taken to a safe house in a different location. He has since been charged with kidnapping and has been sent to prison, awaiting trial..." Image and story are from Open Doors USA. You can read The Documented Killing of a North Korean Christian, posted by Emily at Open Doors USA. "Chongori is a relatively small prison camp in North Korea. It holds approximately 6,000 prisoners who are forced to undergo hard labor, torture and ‘reeducation’. Secret executions are not uncommon. Between July and September 1998 the guards used a very gruesome method to kill several prisoners. "One night a total of seven prisoners from various cells were told to pack up their belongings and ordered by Choi Kwang, a middle-aged police interrogator, to come out of the cellblock. The seven included Kim Ju-won, in his mid-50s, who was serving a prison term as a traitor due to his Christian faith. Kim wore a red t-shirt that his sister had given him while visiting her brother a few days earlier. The other prisoners thought that the seven were part of a routine transfer to another prison, a fairly common occurrence. "The prisoners were brought to a corridor in another building and told to wait there. The prisoners were then called into a room one by one and told to sit facing four uniformed officers at the front of the room. Another officer stood behind a separate table in the area between the prisoner and the four officers seated in a row. In addition, two guards were posted, one on each side of the prisoner. The prisoner took his seat, fully aware of the regulations that he was not allowed to lift his head to look squarely in the eyes of the interrogators. The guards on either side of the prisoner held behind a strong, thin metal wire, either coiled or hanging loose. The prisoner, with his face towards the floor in utter submission to the proceedings, was purposely positioned and unable to see the wires in the guards’ hands..." |
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